I find the smartphone controller options for my Canon t6i so frustrating and dodgy, I gave up on them. The IR remote works for about 20 seconds and then the receiver shuts off for some reason. Practically useless for family portrait selfies.
Instead, I have a shutter release pedal, connected via a 50 foot audio extension cable, to the wired remote port on the camera. It's not compact or elegant, but it's easy, fast and reliable.
FWIW, the venerable Yongnuo RF-602 flash triggers can do this well with the right camera cord connected to the receiver; I think it may even do half-press AF.
I kept a set around with cables for my Nikon D700 and D7000.
Instead, I have a shutter release pedal, connected via a 50 foot audio extension cable, to the wired remote port on the camera. It's not compact or elegant, but it's easy, fast and reliable.